Mitochondrial Dynamics: To be in Good Shape to Survive

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Curr Mol Med. 2008 Mar;8(2):131-7.

Mitochondrial Dynamics: To be in Good Shape to Survive.

Herzig S, ou JC.

Department of Cell Biology, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest-

Ansermet 30, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.

Mitochondria are essential organelles of all eukaryotic cells that

play a key role in several physiological processes and are involved

in the pathology of many diseases. These organelles form a highly

dynamic network, which results from continuous fusion and fission

processes. Importance of these processes is underlined by inherited

human diseases caused by mutations in two mitochondrial pro-fusion

genes: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, caused by mutations in Mitofusin

2 gene and ADOA due to mutations in OPA1. During apoptosis, the

mitochondrial network is disintegrated and the outer mitochondrial

membrane permeabilized, which results in the release of several

apoptogenic proteins, including cytochrome c. Although modulating

mitochondrial fusion and fission machineries has been reported to

influence the apoptotic response to various stimuli, it is still

unclear whether fission is absolutely required for apoptosis. In this

review, we present the latest progress in the field of mitochondrial

dynamics with a particular emphasis on its implication in apoptosis

and in diseases.